Additional Receiving, Handling, and Storing Information

DANGER
Hazard of electric shock, explosion, or arc flash If signs of moisture contamination are present, do not follow the instructions in this section. If signs of moisture contamination are present, proceed to Moisture Contamination Avoidance and Mitigation. Failure to follow these instructions will result in death or serious injury.

Receiving

On receipt:

Check the packing list against the equipment received to ensure the order and shipment are complete.
Immediately inspect switchboard sections for any damage that occurred in transit. If damage is found or suspected, file a claim with the carrier immediately and notify the nearest Schneider Electric representative.

Handling

WARNING
Special Handling Requirements Do not lay the equipment on its front or sides. Lay equipment only on its back when special handling is required. Do not ship the equipment lying down. Failure to follow these instructions can result in death, serious injury, or equipment damage.

Proper equipment, such as an overhead crane, must be available at the installation site to handle the switchboard. This equipment helps avoid injury to personnel and damage to the switchboard.

The shipping weight of each shipping section is marked on the packing list. Verify the lifting capacity of the equipment used to handle the switchboard is in accordance with the shipping weight of each shipping section. Keep the switchboard upright during handling.

Schneider Electric recommends using an overhead crane, lifting straps, and cables or chains to handle the switchboard. This method and alternative handling methods are discussed in this section.

Handling with Lifting Straps

Schneider Electric provides lifting straps as standard equipment for NEMA Type 1 switchboard shipping sections rated 3,000 A or less. Instruction labels on each shipping section include drawings and written instructions outlining the proper use of the lifting straps (see Lifting with an Overhead Crane, Lifting Straps, and Cables or Chains). Use rigid spreaders or a spanner bar to provide vertical lift on the lifting straps. This helps avoid damage to the frame or finish.

Lifting with an Overhead Crane, Lifting Straps, and Cables or Chains

To handle the switchboard:

Use load-rated cables or chains with safety hooks or shackles. Do not pass cables or chains through holes in lifting straps.
Use a load-rated spreader beam to minimize chance of structure damage. Rig so that the minimum angle between the lifting cables or chains and equipment top is 45°.

To lay the equipment on its back:

Remove shipping skid and equipment back covers.
Use overhead cranes, lifting straps, and cables or chains to lay equipment on its back. Rate of drop or pickup for laying equipment on its back is four feet (1.2 m) per minute or less.
Reverse the procedure to stand the equipment in its upright position.
Reinstall back covers.

Handling Without Lifting Straps

Lifting straps are not furnished on shipping sections rated more than 3,000 A, or on rainproof switchboards. Use rollers, slings, or other means to handle the shipping sections. The handling label (Handling Instruction Label, Switchboards without Lifting Straps) is affixed to each of these sections.

Handling Instruction Label, Switchboards without Lifting Straps

The warning label shown in Rear Warning Label, Rainproof Switchboards is attached to the rear of rainproof switchboards.

Rear Warning Label, Rainproof Switchboards

The warning label shown in Front Warning Label, Rainproof Switchboards is attached to the front of rainproof switchboards.

Front Warning Label, Rainproof Switchboards

WARNING
TOP HEAVY LOAD—HAZARD of Tipping Stabilize the shipping section to reduce the possibility of tipping. Consult with a certified rigging and lifting expert for any situation not covered in these instructions. Failure to follow these instructions can result in death, serious injury, or equipment damage.

When elevating a shipping section not equipped with lifting straps, use an overhead crane equipped with either of the following:

A chain coupled to a sling rigging
A wire cable with safety hooks and shackles

Wrap the sling completely around the switchboard and shipping stringers.

NOTE: A forklift is an alternative method of handling the switchboard. Always check that the fork lengths extend under the entire switchboard. Carefully balance the load, and always use a safety strap when handling or moving a switchboard with a forklift (Rear Warning Label, Rainproof Switchboards).

Storing

When storing the switchboard before installation, cover the top and openings of the equipment during the construction period to protect the switchboard from dust and debris.

If a switchboard is not installed and energized immediately, store it in a clean, dry space with a consistent temperature to avoid condensation. Store the switchboard indoors in a heated building with adequate air circulation and protect it from dirt, fumes, water, and physical damage. Storing the switchboard outdoors can cause harmful condensation inside the switchboard.

NOTE: Install portable electric heaters of approximately 200 Watts per vertical section in both indoor-type and rainproof-type switchboard enclosures for adequate protection during storage.

Before energizing the space heaters, remove all loose packing or flammable materials inside the switchboard. Outdoor switchboards are not weather-resistant until completely and properly installed; treat them the same as indoor switchboards until after installation.